Where SO is spot-on is that there is no serious appetite in the Republic for a reunion with the UK, and the economic consequences of Brexit are not going to change that, whatever the more fervent Brexiteers might think. Not the vast majority, but you get the odd one who thinks Britain's withdrawal from the EU not only makes Irexit more likely, but even a state reunion. The most bizarre place I've seen this prospect extolled was in an essay by Niall Ferguson - he may be a world-famous historian and I may be a nobody, but seriously, what a ****.
Who mentioned Ireland rejoining the rest of the British Isles? The issue is the importance of the EU to Ireland.
In a pre-Brexit world, 60% of imports come from the EU and 51% of exports go there. Most of it's trade is within the EU.
In a post-Brexit world, 36% of imports come from the EU and 38% of exports go there. Most of it's trade is beyond the EU perimeter fence.
The numbers speak for themselves in highlighting the diminished importance of the EU to Ireland post Brexit.
Where that leads, who knows? One thing is clear though, the Irish export more to the US of A than they do the fledgling, post-Brexit US of E.
Where SO is spot-on is that there is no serious appetite in the Republic for a reunion with the UK, and the economic consequences of Brexit are not going to change that, whatever the more fervent Brexiteers might think. Not the vast majority, but you get the odd one who thinks Britain's withdrawal from the EU not only makes Irexit more likely, but even a state reunion. The most bizarre place I've seen this prospect extolled was in an essay by Niall Ferguson - he may be a world-famous historian and I may be a nobody, but seriously, what a ****.
Who mentioned Ireland rejoining the rest of the British Isles? The issue is the importance of the EU to Ireland.
In a pre-Brexit world, 60% of imports come from the EU and 51% of exports go there. Most of it's trade is within the EU.
In a post-Brexit world, 36% of imports come from the EU and 38% of exports go there. Most of it's trade is beyond the EU perimeter fence.
The numbers speak for themselves in highlighting the diminished importance of the EU to Ireland post Brexit.
Where that leads, who knows? One thing is clear though, the Irish export more to the US of A than they do the fledgling, post-Brexit US of E.
I think there is quite a lot of transshipment through the UK to the rest of the EU, so I wouldn't necessarily believe those numbers.
I'd also point out the Irish are second only to the Dutch in their love for the Euro, with it managing something like +60 approval ratings. I simply can't see them sacrificing it.
Finally there is pride: the Irish will not want to have been seen to have been forced by the British to do something.
Comments
In a pre-Brexit world, 60% of imports come from the EU and 51% of exports go there. Most of it's trade is within the EU.
In a post-Brexit world, 36% of imports come from the EU and 38% of exports go there. Most of it's trade is beyond the EU perimeter fence.
The numbers speak for themselves in highlighting the diminished importance of the EU to Ireland post Brexit.
Where that leads, who knows? One thing is clear though, the Irish export more to the US of A than they do the fledgling, post-Brexit US of E.
I'd also point out the Irish are second only to the Dutch in their love for the Euro, with it managing something like +60 approval ratings. I simply can't see them sacrificing it.
Finally there is pride: the Irish will not want to have been seen to have been forced by the British to do something.